As the 2016 presidential debates approach, foreign policy is already playing a central role. Too often U.S. foreign assistance has been targeted because many people believe that we spend more on foreign assistance than we actually do and that it lacks transparency and accountability. An improved online “dashboard” that provides data on foreign assistance programs will help counter those arguments.

When official resources are limited, where can small investments from the United States have the biggest impact on helping to build and open new markets that also help create jobs at home? Some of the fastest growing economies are in the developing world, and a newly released report suggests that the developing world may also be one of the best places to invest.

As the USGLC marks its 20th year, we are incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together to strengthen American global leadership over the past two decades. These short remarks from President and CEO Liz Schrayer at our annual tribute dinner on June 17th offer a quick snapshot of our successes, ongoing efforts, and where we are headed in the future.

The only way women are going to advance in the global economy is by having income, which means work. But according to United Nations studies, only about half of the world’s women participate in the labor force. Despite their under-representation, women comprise 60 percent of the world’s working poor.

Secretary of State George Marshall called on Congress to pass what would become known as the Marshall Plan, the economic recovery plan to rebuild Europe following World War II. Many of the beneficiaries have since become some of America’s strongest allies and trading partners; models for how foreign assistance can transform countries and unlock their potential. Since that time seven decades ago, the military has continued to be one of the strongest voices of support for America’s development and diplomacy programs.

As we celebrate 239 years of freedom in the United States on this July 4th, we honor the millions of Americans who defend the cause of freedom here at home and around the world. It seemed a fitting opportunity to post the first of many upcoming conversations with members of USGLC’s Veterans for Smart Power. Nearly 30,000 strong, these former servicemembers understand firsthand why we need a strong, balanced foreign policy to keep America safe and secure, and share a commitment to elevating and strengthening civilian tools of development and diplomacy, alongside defense. Captain Jim Morin is one of them.

In case you missed some of the news coverage on the USGLC State Leaders Summit and Tribute Dinner, here are some of the stories and interviews that feature our fantastic leaders from across the country.

The recently released Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) might be an instance when the process is as important as the product. What may matter most is that the State Department and USAID have begun to institutionalize a regular strategic process of looking ahead and strengthening their capacity to deal with threats and opportunities. The report is best understood as the next step in reforms begun after 9/11 under Secretaries Powell, Rice, and Clinton, as well as initiatives like USAID Forward.

As the devastation from the earthquake in Nepal becomes clearer, we have seen an incredible response from the U.S. government, American NGOs and the business community. Terrible events like this remind us of the critical role our nation plays in humanitarian response around the world. Here’s a quick snapshot of the life-saving efforts of our government, USGLC members, and partners in Nepal.

For hundreds of millions of people in the developing world, the threat of malaria is both real and constant. Though we have known how to prevent and treat the disease for over a hundred years, more than 500,000 people still died from malaria in 2013. Young children and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to this entirely curable illness. Yet World Malaria Day also celebrates the incredible gains the world has made against this disease. Deaths have fallen 47 percent globally since 2000 and four countries have been declared malaria-free in the last eight years. Mosquito nets and advanced treatment therapies have played critical roles in fighting the infection.